Ravel's status as one of the most popular composers of all time rests to a large extent on the phenomenal success of Bolero (on Cala Records - CACDS4027).
Yet there is so much more to this endlessly intriguing man's work than the seventeen minutes of orchestral tissue without music - as Ravel wryly described it. Childhood fantasy, Spain, the Orient, American jazz, the theatre, clockwork toys and all things mechanical, preoccupied Maurice Ravel throughout his life, and echoes of each are to be found in all comers of his music.He had a simple but striking musical dictum, maintaining there were only two kinds of music: music which pleases, and music which does not. Ravel's achievements certainly continue to please vast numbers of music lovers, over half a century after his death. Yet ironically, struck down by a terrible illness in his final years. Ravel himself lamented, I have left nothing. I have not said what I wanted to say. Alas, I am not one of the great composers!